Law enforcement in Banks County, Georgia carried out the largest methamphetamine confiscation in the county’s history. They have also arrested two people in connection with the said raid.

Deputies seized 52.2 pounds of methamphetamine worth over $2.6 million and 6.9 pounds of cocaine worth $392,000. Also confiscated was $22,000 in cash, as well as ten firearms.

The Bank County’s Sheriff’s Office’s Special Operation Unit conducted a month-long investigation into the matter before the said huge raid was made. The sheriff's office also requested DEA-HIDTA for additional assistance in the investigation.

The two suspects arrested are identified as 20-year-old Juan Carlos Melchor-Valencia and 23-year-old Fernando Garcia Mendez on multiple drug trafficking charges. Both suspects are from Santa Ana, California.

Police charged Melchor-Valencia with trafficking cocaine and methamphetamine and possession of marijuana. Mendez, on the other hand, is charged with trafficking cocaine and methamphetamine, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, theft by receiving stolen property, obstruction of a law enforcement officer, possession of marijuana, and driving without a valid license.

Sheriff Carlton Speed said in a statement: “We are accustomed to large quantities of drugs passing through our jurisdiction by way of the interstate. However, this is a unique case because the Cartel essentially set up shop in Banks County.”

Speed added he was "very proud" of the deputies' "tenacious and exhausting investigation." He said: "Without their thoroughness and attention to detail, these drugs would have already hit the streets of Banks County and north Georgia.”

Investigators also contacted federal ICE agents and a detainer has been placed on Mendez.